The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority opens a new entrance to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport from the northbound George Washington Memorial Parkway on Tuesday, February 1, 2000. At that time, the new ramp will take northbound traffic onto the airport and merge with southbound Parkway traffic which uses the main entrance to the airport. This will give drivers one, direct route to the terminals and parking garages.

The overall project also includes the construction of two bridges which will raise the Mount Vernon Trail above the new roadway and the existing roadway at the north exit from the airport. Bicyclists, joggers and pedestrians will no longer have to cross in front of airport traffic at these two busy airport roadways to continue on the popular Trail that runs along the Parkway between Rosslyn and Mount Vernon.

Said Airports Authority President/CEO James A. Wilding, "The new roadway configuration will greatly improve the efficiency of vehicle movement on airport grounds and enhance safety for those using the Mount Vernon Trail near the airport. We are pleased to make these important traffic and pedestrian improvements and have worked in close cooperation with the National Park Service on this project which brings recreational and safety benefits to the community and the Mount Vernon Trail users."

In addition to the new airport entrance and the two new bridges, the project also includes a new entrance ramp to the third level of Parking Garage A for rental car customers and improvements to the pedestrian entrance to Garage A.

February 1st will also mark the start of new parking rates at Reagan National Airport. Long-term "Economy" parking will be reduced from $8 to $7 for 24hrs and "Daily" parking will be increased from $12 to $14 for 24hrs. The Hourly parking rate will not change. It is $28 for 24hrs.

The rate adjustment is designed to encourage drivers who plan to leave their vehicles at the airport for two days or more to take advantage of the Economy parking; thereby freeing up more spaces in the Daily parking for short-term stays.